Bruno Fernandes’ wish for former Manchester United team-mate Donny van de Beek has come tue, with the Dutchman admitting he "finally feels like a footballer again" following his Old Trafford exit. Van de Beek joined United in 2020 in a £35million transfer from Ajax while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was manager.
Despite high hopes for the midfielder, Van de Beek struggled to impress at Old Trafford, seeing his confidence and form dwindle to the point where even the arrival of Erik ten Hag, his old Ajax boss, couldn't reignite his career. He endured a torrid four-year stint with just 62 appearances under his belt, while also having unsuccessful loan spells at Everton and Eintracht Frankfurt. The 28-year-old finally escaped his United nightmare by joining La Liga side Girona last summer in a deal worth a reported £420,000, which could rise to £7.6m.
It made him the first high-profile departure of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era, following the arrivals of sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.
After Van de Beek confirmed his move to Girona on social media, his former United captain Fernandes delivered a heartfelt message. Fernandes’ four-word message read: "You deserve the best," along with a red heart.
The Portuguese can now take comfort in knowing that Van de Beek has rekindled his passion for football in Spain. Since joining Girona, the former Netherlands international has played 35 games, including seven Champions League matches, while contributing three goals and two assists across all competitions.
Van de Beek opened up about rediscovering his form in December, telling Voetbal International: "My role was played out at Manchester United, so at the beginning of this year I wanted to make minutes elsewhere.
"The choice for Germany seemed nice, and don't get me wrong, Eintracht Frankfurt is really a big and beautiful club, but I really was lost around there. I was a loan player for a few months and then it is very simple: then you just have to deliver from the first game and impress. But I just couldn't.
Turning his attention to Girona, he went on to add: "I enjoy it again. The fun, enjoying the game. That is so important and I have missed that feeling for so long. I finally feel like a footballer again.
"I think I've made more minutes this season than added up in the past four years. That says enough. The good feeling is back, I feel confidence again and the sacred fire in me has been fueled. Finally."
Fernandes' own future at United seemed uncertain after the devastating Europa League final defeat to Tottenham last month, with reports claiming the playmaker was open to a Red Devils exit this summer.
Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal were said to have held positive talks with his agent, while United's hierarchy were reportedly ready to part ways with their captain, who turns 31 this year, if the right offer came in.
However, Fernandes has since turned down Al-Hilal's lucrative offer after careful consideration with his wife. He explained his decision by saying: “It was a very ambitious proposal. The president was a fantastic person. We never discussed the amount [initially]. With my agent? Of course.
“Then, I spoke to my wife and family, and she asked me what my personal goals were in my career. She was someone who always supported me a lot.
“It was an easy move, even at a family level. I had Joao Cancelo there, my children are used to playing with him in the national team, we have a great friendship. But I want to maintain myself at the highest level, playing in the big competitions, and I feel capable of it.”